LeBron James to Opt Out of Heat Deal

Can Become Free Agent on July 1

By

Chris Herring

Updated June 24, 2014 2:55 p.m. ET

Miami Heat star LeBron James has decided to opt out of his contract to become a free agent, his agent confirmed on Tuesday.

While James's choice to join the free-agent market could force teams leaguewide to rejigger their off-season plans in hopes of landing the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, this doesn't mean he is definitely leaving Miami. James and the Heat have reached four straight NBA Finals and won two titles.